New owner thoughts, 2018 Harley Fat Bob 114ci

Just some quick thoughts and a brief overview on the new 2018 Harley Fat Bob Softail.

[@arkindomino]

“She was about to lay herself beneath the bike to save it”.... bro. You got a cool bike but an amazing woman. Ride safe!

[@floura7091]

That is my dad

[@kennethd.941]

I have been watching a lot of reviews on this bike and you are the first one I've seen that has excellent feedback! From pointing out the non-LED turn signals to the inch and 1/4 raisers to make it difficult for swapping out aftermarket handlebars, these are the details I wanna hear! Awesome honest video man. Thank you.

[@TattooedAlex70]

I test rode the 107 and thoroughly enjoyed it. The 2018 Fat Bob is a great bike. It’s definitely not an old school Harley look, but you can’t please everyone. They still have plenty of other models with the classic look. Ride safe.

[@glenhoori2874]

This was a very good insite of your Fatbob. Thanks for the honesty and unprejudiced narration. I own a 2010 FatBob and still love it for the looks and handling. Safe riding from me here in Northland New Zealand 🇳🇿🇺🇸

[@darkscorpion6534]

I'm in my 20's and want a Harley. I love the way the bikes look, but I haven't been the biggest fan of the classic circular headlight. This thing looks absolutely Badass! I love the headlight...

[@albert9655]

Same here dude, I'm 28 and always despised the looks of Harley's, but the new Softails look sexy!

[@ekimov98]

That's a great video. Completely natural and in-depth at the same time. Good show!

[@withPercy]

Great video! I just did a test ride on a Fat Bob today. LOVED the bike!! Yours is the most informative review I’ve seen on YT for the Fat Bob. Really appreciate the information and just sub’d to your channel.

[@scottieray]

You did a great job of pointing out the 'flaws'...and the parts you love. I really love the rectangular headlight. It reminds me for some reason of the late 70's/early 80's HD Specials.

[@anthonymoon6918]

The light thing freaks me out...great review. Thanx for taking the time...be safe.

[@sportglidejim9001]

Picked mine up Saturday and it rocks.

[@abikeridernamedsilentbob64]

Awesome insight! I test rode one last fall at the progressive motorcycle show here in Long Beach, CA. It was a badass bike! 👍🏽 Stay safe and safe riding!

[@numberxx7]

Great vid!! I have spent about 25 years on sport bikes - also having '04 RC51, and as you said, LOVE the fast-lean into turn etc that sports bikes offer.. Now looking at this bike , after having to finally purchased a 2017 FXDLS..

[@josephandreuccetti8043]

Very cool and very comfortable bike. Drove one today for almost a hour and it was extremely comfortable and great. The only issue it was a 107 for a good price. I gotta day it really does need the 114. I don’t really like the fact there is no twincam motor/ evo like motor left. I just rode a Dyna the other day and I loved it. That engine has its place and I think they need to build a model that incorporates it. I get it now and understand.

[@scarletturk3892]

Nice review. Spot on regarding making sure the stand is forward and the weight of the bike is on it.

[@rcud1]

This new Softail is a marked shift for Harley, these bikes aren't just pretty faces and new paint on the same bike. This is a radical redesign. These bikes perform and handle well and the Milwaukee 8 engine has great power. I rode one and was impressed.

[@kennyharp4125]

Good video man. I wanted one of these as soon as I saw it on the cover of cycleworld. Never owned a Harley or even ridden one, just wanted one on share looks. I've owned Honda Shadow, Yamaha Stryker and currently own a S1000rr but want another cruiser. I test rode that bike and loved it. The only thing that prevented me from buying it, is that I consider it a 1st year model and would rather wait for any potential issues to be fixed for next model. But great real world review although you don't really have any miles on it yet lol. And yep, power and brakes on that thing were impressive.

[@VVoltz]

So jealous. Looks incredible. It is the most badass HD I’ve seen

[@Fuji29er]

Solid honest review. Love this motorcycle, could be in my future. Triumph Bobber atm

[@matrix4you2see]

I totally hear you about the bulbs & how HD nails you on every little thing. I too just bought a denim black 107ci with ABS... All I can say it WOW I came from a sportster 72 Price point on the 114ci is well worth it, but for me it wasn't the money I just didn't think the 114 would be something I can exploit. After all we do have speed limits & the 107 has been well tested on the touring line. So what I did is have the dealer remove the ABS price off the total which for me is what I wanted anyway a non-ABS. The only real gripe I have is that the mirrors are a bit hard to see out right behind me. Overall an amazing machine.

[@averageguyantics409]

I've been hopping back and forth between the Fat Bob and my 91 Dyna, man what a difference. I bit the bullet and gave Harley some more money, ordered the cruise control assembly along with some other tidbits.

[@Lucifer3001]

I bought mine a few months ago.. f-ing love it!!!

[@lyndongeer6627]

It's a badass ride man

[@saddle8bag]

The best vid I've seen on this bike yet. Real world perspective of costs, issues, and features. Great info! I demo'd one wearing riding pants and it wasn't very hot out, and I never noticed the heat. I thought Harley fixed that with these new engines. I too thought it was a super nice motorcycle. Nothing like any previous Harley I'd ridden. Comfy, handles great, good power, and aside from the 16" wheels, I like the look. I wish it had a tail light in that massive hole under the rear fender though...and that the license plate could be mounted under there. I don't like brown stripes up my back every time it rains. If I were a young guy, I'd probably try and get one. Good chance it may become a cult classic and be worth something a couple decades in the future. And it'll be a ball to ride until then!

[@averageguyantics409]

I think the heat issue may be a personal one. I have fairly large legs, to many years spent under the squat rack, while riding it's perfect but when stopped with my feet down my leg actually rests on top of the cylinder head.

[@1retired98adios9]

I was super surprised when I test road the fat bob. The response of the bike is really nice, I was super happy with the bike. Very fun bike, I am thinking about getting one.

[@glenhoori2874]

Thanks for your awesome clear cut take on your Fat Bob.

[@luciferdracul7320]

Great video, Informative review good job, I’m beginning to like the “ fat bob” something one day in the future may consider, stay safe man & enjoy the rides.

[@misterj5045]

I'm thoroughly enjoying mine. I traded my 2011 Softail in for this Fat Bob 114. The softail has the oil tank directly under the seat and it really cooked my inner thigh but the Fat Bob locates the oil down under the shock so it is actually a lot less radiant heat.

[@fakkoo63]

Rode one today no issue with the engine heat personally . Never realised sissy bar was an option . Standard exhaust goes in the bin immediately for an upgrade as most will/do. Think this is a great bike, especially the 114, and the 'purist' can fek off the same as the air cooled purist with Porsche that moaned and got left behind

[@Metrobus271]

Kudos to your review. Your buying experience and your riding experience critique helps me to make a better decision. I will buttonhole my dealer for gift card if nothing’s coming off the msrp. Thanks man.

[@arfonia]

It’s a Great bike. I Love mine. I’ve been lucky to have owned quite a few Harley’s over the years, loved them all and still do. But this one does it for me I love it soooo much. Well done Harley this is the all in one Harley Davidson, Fun, Fast, Looks Ace, Handles Great, So comfy it’s got it all. It’s my every day Harley. Some people don’t like the change but what I say is You love your choice of Harley and I love mine This One. Each to there own. Ride One. Enjoy it dude. Ride Safe.

[@Fuckyoutube852]

Thanks for the honest review!

[@TheDaaazer]

Great review! I really like everything about this bike, but wow you weren't kidding about how anemic this sounds! This just doesn't sound at all like a Harley. I am amazed that they would design a bike with this exhaust note. That being said, great review of what looks like a great bike.

[@dennism103]

I bought a 2018 road king, absolutely luv it...

[@brianmedeiros4437]

Great review. Don't like the bike but I appreciate you going through the features. Ride safe.

[@mnshrdepartment4750]

I wish I had reviewed this before I bought mine... You hit the nail on the head for the areas where I'm having problems too. The right inner thigh temperature is rough and I'm surprised at the kickstand as well. Otherwise the fun in riding it outweighs the shortcomings. Looking at getting the Custom Dynamics LED inserts with smoke black lenses. I sure would like to have a better selection for a sissy bar/luggage rack combo... I'll be following you to see what to expect in the future!

[@averageguyantics409]

I'm not sure how tall you are, but I just put the sundowner seat on and it is just wide enough at the nose the it really helps with the right leg heat. I'll have a video coming up on it after I get a few more miles in the saddle.

[@QuintonTurner]

Love the vid, I just can't see me giving up my 17 V-rod for it. HD shouldn't stopped making the best bike ever

[@terr256]

Saw this in store. Sick looking bike!

[@josephandreuccetti8043]

This is a very underrated bike with a ton of character. It’s really good and I enjoyed it today quit a lot.

[@josephandreuccetti8043]

The stock seat is very comfortable! I really liked this bike.

[@josephandreuccetti8043]

I had a heart attack the kick stand slipped and I was about to throw my body to catch the bike. It’s really a issue they need to resolve. Scared the hell out of me and I didn’t want to be that asshole to drop a dealer bike.

[@MichaelTrotman]

What a great, honest review!

[@jefftilghman9059]

Bestiful bike. Congradulations. Make it your own. Ride safe!

[@elithegreat6463]

I have a 2017 Low RiderS, and it's the only bike so far, I'm keeping for more than a season..LOL)) Love the power, look, cruise control, Heavy Breather look and did I mention Power !!

[@RiderJP22]

This is the best review ever 👍

[@GiriKumar]

Great review.. Thank you

[@B702K]

Nice review. I too cut my teeth on Japanese sport bikes. This is finally a Harley I can own!

[@amacro11]

New sub very detailed review I've got a Fatboy low 2015 the 2018 Fat Bob looks good Al

[@kellstarification]

try look at the FP3 fuel pack bit pricey but easy to use i found it good when i changed my pipes although it didnt have a map for the pipes i put on my breakout i was able to do a auto tune from my phone while i rode the bike and that sorted any popping and banging on deceleration my bike runs like a dream no flat spots power all the way through bit of food for thought ride safe

[@dennism103]

Its very cool looking, and so are you...

[@bobsaggater3454]

Man I just picked up the very last new 2018 red iron denim fat bob in the country. They discontinued the color and I had to call like 6 dealerships before they found it. Idk but I just love the color and I love the pipes asthetic. though I probably will get some slip on mufflers for them.

[@dennism103]

My road king m8 at idle the back cylinder shuts down to reduce heat. Its not to bad. I put heat deflectors on that helped too. I used to be a sportbike guy too when i was younger.

[@Logan-or5qw]

These brakes WILL do an endo! I saw a video on here of some stunt rider doing it. Pretty crazy!

[@kellstarification]

nice review man like your honesty shame they almost gave you a light update package

[@Torqd_Off]

I own a 2014... It's a great bike. Harley set it up for handling, the rake angle and even the tires were specially made, for that bike. The tires get choppy because of the big contact patches. It gets run down quick... you'll feel it. Especially in the front. They grip like hell tho' Get some Avon Cobras or some other sticky's, there's all kinds of new rubber out there... unless you've got money to burn on replacing those tires that came on it. They get choppy quick, and you'll feel it. Like I said, especially the front, under heavy braking. I have leaned mine over so far I've hit the primary. It loves the turns. Haven't ridden a new 114 yet. Can just imagine. Mine, the 103 is a blast to ride. Up through the mountains of Pennsylvania. It handles the twistys easily. And those dual front brakes do bring you down, quick. Gotta get used to them...

[@doulos77]

I am one of the few but I really really like the phaaat bob. esp the light. I ended up with a Ultra Limited just bc we travel a lot.

[@mallen1846]

Sounds like we have a similar history with bikes, I grew up on Japanese and euro bikes and to this day have never ridden a bike with forward controls. I can't imagine riding a bike with forward controls it just seems wrong to me. I like the bike if it wasn't for the high price and peg placement. I am hoping Indian puts their FTR1200 into production this year otherwise I'll just keep waiting for a real American sport bike. Nice review and thanks for taking the time to record it.

[@craigburbery2551]

Thanks for sharing dude,bike would handle for shaw looks light weight i would change the bars ,pies and headlight lamp to round ,but nice mate

[@evilmuscle]

I've owned a zx7r, cbr 600 and still have my r1, my recent bike is a 2016 breakout , love the machine and it's in it's own class compared to sport bikes . The breakout I do love every bit about it bit the lean takes seconds in to get to the lean . Leaning on it is no problem and I do t scrape pegs , I think the bike leans enough . Comfort and style is all there, the 5 gallon tank is a plus in looks and for distance , I'm 5'7 so I think cause of that the ache want all that bad on a rocket

[@Average_D]

Love the new FatBob....I’ve been a sport bike rider my whole life but have always appreciated a Harley. Don’t get me wrong, I will always love my sport bike but, After test riding the new Fat Bob I was sold. Riding a sport bike daily definitely starts to catch up with you. Lol. I wanted a Harley for the longest time and now I’m going to bite the bullet and bring one home. Has a ton of power, handles great and looks mean! Feels way lighter than it is too. I’m working with my local dealers to try and get them down a bit. Ultimately if I could walk out with a 114 for the tag of a 107 I’d close the deal. Either that or a decent gift card. Vivid Black is the best color option as well, imho. Awesome that it is the cheapest paint option! Ride safe! Great purchase. 👊🏼

[@averageguyantics409]

The first thing that stood out when I rode the bike was how nimble it is. Definitely feels lighter then it is. Good luck with the negotiations.

[@BoBo93212]

Bought the 114 in industrial gray about a month ago and its loads of fun, I can't get enough of it. I haven't had a problem with it burning my leg though. My biggest complaint is the kickstand, it drives me nuts! Unless you're on perfectly flat, smooth ground then it takes atleast 3 attempts to get the thing to lean over all the way.

[@averageguyantics409]

I've figured out that if I really spread my feet out I can avoid the cylinder head, but it's taking a conscious effort. Hah, I'm glad I'm not the only one the kickstand is driving nuts. The more I've ridden it the more annoying it gets. I've started trying to use my toe to get the stand to extend out before I lean it over.

[@bryanroman8746]

I ended up going with the matte black 107. HD gave me a killer price, and it felt plenty powerful for me. Similar scenario, I'm coming from a Street Triple R. I absolutely love the torque kick, and it's the most fun I've had from 0-60mph on two wheels. Handles quite well for a "cruiser". I get a bit of the heat too, a little annoying but escapable is you change up your idle stance. I'm getting used to the mid-forward controls but may end up going w Two Bros exhaust and install mids come next season. We'll see. Overall, just a ton of fun.

[@averageguyantics409]

My Two Brothers Exhaust will be here Monday. Time to give the bike the sound it should have had .

[@jonw4595]

i am looking at these. right now 14-16k and you're in for a used ride. 4 things i intend on doing before i even pull it out is, bars and risers, pipes, rear fender, and new tank/s. fat bob must be fat everywhere. well done, and i agree, heartless davidson cheaps out on the most basics.

[@ericjudd9603]

Thanks for the info👍

[@whittlad]

Great and honest review for a sweet looking bike. Yes she does sound like a sowing machine but after market exhaust will fix that. However, I think that the lack of cruise control as standard is a p*ss take and not fitting LED indicators with the brake light seems almost half hearted in the design process. Still, she does look good and great review.👍🤘

[@tiospayetiwahe]

I tested he 114 couple weeks ago. Stiff and hard to maneuver, low gears were fun, too gears not much snap. Love the look. 20k hard to stomach.

[@rajarajanjayabalan6498]

love the bike panning on getting one

[@karamlevi]

Rajarajan Jayabalan gold panning 👍🏽

[@7viewerlogic670]

Great video!

[@samdiaz1059]

Great taste man very nice bike it would have been mine in minutes to man

[@C0LDW4RK1D]

Good stuff, man. As much as I like this new Fat Bob, I just don't think it's enough to bring in me and others my age (20s). It's the weight, the price, the lack of features and quality, as well as the general business practices of Harley-Davidson. I don't know - I'm a Yamaha guy, but that's mainly because of the good history I've had with their products and dealerships. Anyways, good video, man. Thanks for sharing.

[@averageguyantics409]

I've always been a Honda guy. I've owned a CBR F4, F4i, RC51, 600RR and a 1000RR. They were reliable, fast, had the best features at the time they were brought to market, and I never felt like they were gouging me on price. That said there really is just something about Milwaukee iron. It took the new Fat Bob for me to even consider purchasing a new H-D. It's more nimble then the weight would suggest, finally stops like a bike should, has torque for days, and is able to provide comfort while still being able to put a grin on your face. I would say test ride one, its not for everyone, but I doubt you would come away not saying what a great bike it is. It just might not fit your style of riding.

[@rlmach1]

I have a 2001 Yamaha R1 that I just picked up for 4000. It is lighter prettier and blows away this behemoth. I had a 2007 Fat-Bob. Had a gf about an hour away and the Bob could not get out of it's own way after 70 mph, dangerous on the super highways where you need power from 70 to 100 mph. great local cruiser though it was.

[@Lex-Rex]

Good vid homie. I have the older gen Fat Bob, but it is indeed the best handling Harley. And like you, I come from sport bikes and I still own a BMW S1000rr. BMW is going to be up for sale so I can get the new VMax which will smoke the Fat Bob.

[@averageguyantics409]

The VMAX definitely looks like a sweet ride. That's why you can never own just one bike. It's like women, one day you want the free spirited blonde, another day you want the sneaky brunette bookkeeper.

[@dennism103]

I have zero complaints on my 2018 road king, its perfect...

[@dnnylee]

Dang good review.

[@antblakk]

I like your bike ,I'm just so use to old style fat bob

[@calvinthesandiegolawyer6061]

Love the bike

[@spawn007]

Good talk man 👍🏻

[@RRoosa]

Good video. Harley is expensive and not for everyone. I went with the 2019 street glide. I like HD because they are American made.

[@waatao9856]

Can I ask if it was to rain and u get rain in the pod filter what happens then ? I know it’s not good

[@DarioCruz92]

In case you haven't tried them yet, you might want to consider the H-D air deflectors or aftermarket thigh heat shields to keep your inner thigh from broiling. They really do help. Also, you might want to test ride a new Softail with mid mounts before buying a kit (whenever they become available). The new Softies frame length is 1" shorter and the pegs are 1" higher up; so unless you're 5' 7" or less, your going to probably be real cramp on the mids. Hope that helps. Congratulations on owning the best performance bike that Harley-Davidson has ever made. And thanks for the owner's review ;-)

[@averageguyantics409]

Thanks for the tip on the air deflectors. I'll definitely be investing in a set. As for the mids I'm a bit over 6 foot so maybe I need to go get some seat on a bike that comes with them. One thing I've never been comfortable with when riding H-D's was having my feet up front. I guess years of rear sets make an imprint that's hard to change.

[@DarioCruz92]

LOL. I hear you - it does have a feel like you're riding a lazy boy down the street. Oh well, I'm sure you'll eventually used to them. Happy trails, bud :-)

[@harleysrule2176]

Excellent short review. I was looking to get an additional bike that would qualify as another super high performance bike and was looking for a while at this one. ...I think the Ducati Monster 1200 and KTM Super Duke leave this one far behind in performance, not sure if I could compromise on the perf to get American made this time around; and the prices and replacement parts are about the same cost for all those. I think I'll make a few vids on my search too. Anyway, glad you enjoy your new bike... I am still considering it myself; I am a big guy and the forward controls might fit me better and I love that laid back feeling of feet first riding. Anyway, thanks for the review.

[@Reviews4fun1]

comparing this to those other bikes is like comparing a big SUV to a corvette. Completely different.

[@jeremywatson169]

I like the fatbob love the style

[@classikz]

Tail lights cannot be integrated from factory because the DOT requires the turn signals to be a particular width apart.

[@dennism103]

Looks cool

[@yuriyork8094]

Oh man, if she’s was ready to do that for a bike, you’ve got a good woman. Lol Good review. But I’m sticking with my dyna low rider S.

[@cwet6163]

What is the largest rear tire I can go? Is it even possible to go wider? I am a FNG to HD, ty

[@bikerjon153]

Nice as it is you haven't sold it for me. It's those little things that make all the difference.

[@evilmuscle]

Any mods to the headlight , tires ,rims or front fender . I like the bike but looks kinda enduro looking

[@gorillahd9247]

Great video and a fantastic review of the new bike. Straight forward with no BS. Really well done.

[@robschoufour4825]

Funny about the signal lights Harley Davidson uses some parts will fit 1901 to present lol

[@stealthysumo3216]

What do people think of the rekluse auto clutch (radius x)

[@phillturcotte4767]

The bulb and signal light placement is what it is due to equipment regulations, they aren't going to make different bikes on a state by state basis. It's bad enough we can't have the same license plate location as you on Canadian bikes. Some things you just have to change yourself to taste, or whatever tickets you're willing to pay.

[@redpillcopinthephilippines9647]

Bro, I love your vid. I own one too and you bust me up. Yep true everything you say. Cool beans bro.

[@kevincoulombe1685]

Nice to see Harley changing it up a little bit has that multi Road use not just Highway and I can handle just a little bit more. I'm not saying to go off road with it kind of has that military look that's just my opinion I think the bike is very cool and I'm waiting for them things that they use Market

[@bobbyparson9229]

Great Vid. Not my style but really cool bike... Thx for sharing.

[@cosmiccharlie8294]

That front end looks Terminator.

[@alecphillips1445]

Your attitude about this bike bounced up and Down throughout the video 😂 but thanks for the honesty

[@Torqd_Off]

Oh yeah, 2014 was an exclusive year for the rear fender also. If you wait, parts will be available aftermarket. And the laser etched wheels are known for flaking. Good luck getting Harley to warranty...

[@LordAnestis]

Dude the bike is amazing, i found one here in Greece for 20k euros, used, too expensive, maybe i wait a few years before i get one..

[@MrBrutalicus]

Nice bike. The head Light feels abit wierd for me, but other than that the bike looks awesome.

[@gregk-muth8566]

The new jim bob is sweet

[@blkfxbb327]

Does your sissy bar have some play in it? One side has minimal play but I’m worried if it shouldn’t be that way?

[@almcsmitty3634]

About cooking your leg: The bike has a parade mode turn the throttle to the role off position and then push forward on this forward in the roll off position and hold it for five seconds, this will turn the rear cylinder off when temperature hits 270 this will make it a lot cooler at red lights then the cylinder will come back on automatically at 1200 rpm’s

[@averageguyantics409]

Nice tip, I knew it shut the rear cylinder down when it reached a certain temp, but that's cool that you can force it. I just put the Sundowner seat on and the nose seems to be just wide enough to block some of the head, and cause a wider spread. So far it has really helped.

[@joeyedmonds3658]

Just curious, are you aware of the EITMS on the FatBob to cut down the engine temp? Some people don’t know that it has it.

[@juangonzalez3034]

Needs a heat deflector or something for that right side , I wonder if they'll address that

[@JakeHolder]

Do you still have this bike? If so, are you still loving it. Deciding between the fat bob or the low rider s

[@raywite6665]

All motorcycles have their limitations, all motorcycles are made for certain people, you just have to find which one suits you.

[@robertekis2450]

I agree the new Fat Bob looks better than earlier models. Also like the updated brakes and suspension. Still can't get past the stupid cylinder arrangement combined with air cooling (probably one reason for your cooked thigh, heh heh). The pegs pushed way out front along with the 28 degrees rake don't appear to be intended to provide for decent handling either. I would much rather have a Japanese or European naked bike for those reasons. Still, Harley is finally making some moves in the right direction in spite of customer preference. I just don't understand demanding an archaic engine arrangement and engineering and suspension setup - you can still get the cool engine sound without those drawbacks. Guess that's why I'm not a Harley guy yet but I keep hoping :)